Ubed beats world No. 1 Christo Popov to reach Kumamoto quarter-finals

Moh Zaki Ubaidillah, known as Ubed, defeated world No. 1 Christo Popov in straight games on 12 November at the Kumamoto Masters 2026. The 21-15, 21-19 result in the last 16 sent him into a quarter-final against Alwi Farhan.

In comments shared by PBSI, Ubed said his preparations drew on two earlier losses to Popov and repeated viewing of his opponent’s match videos. He said those lessons helped him correct mistakes and take his opportunities, with the match unfolding as he had planned.

Ubed recovered from a deficit in the second game, drawing level at 18-18 before closing out the victory. He said he had raised the intensity and pace of his play, increased his speed and control at the front of the court, and attacked more aggressively.

He said beating the world’s top-ranked player was difficult and expressed hope that the result would strengthen his confidence for the matches ahead.